With the availability of a variety of safe and effective medications and the advice of a physician who has been expressly trained in the management of asthma, a person with asthma can expect to live with little or no asthma-related restrictions. This includes a full night's sleep, awakening with a clear chest, the ability to attend school or work on a daily basis and participate in exercise and physical activities.

If you or your child are restricted by asthma, have been hospitalized for asthma more than one time in the past two years, or find yourself in the doctor's office due to asthma more than once a month, you should consider seeing an asthma specialist. The asthma specialist will be up to date on all the latest medications and treatment options available and is best equipped to treat the patient with asthma who is not being well controlled.

The role of the Allergist in treating asthma

Allergists are trained medical specialists who have completed a lengthy training process of at least five years of intense study. A trained allergist first undergoes training as an internist or a pediatrician and as such has the capability of a primary care physician. With this background he can effectively manage the comprehensive needs of patients with asthma and allergies. Allergists who are board-certified have successfully passed the certifying board examination of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.

An allergist will conduct a personalized study of the patient with asthma. This will include a thorough history of the illness, family history, evaluation of the home and work environments, allergy testing and possibly other tests. With this information, the allergist will be able to determine if the patient has allergies, asthma or both.

Asthma and allergies go hand-in-hand, particularly in children or young adults. In these people asthma is caused by inhaling allergens to which the individual is sensitive. The allergen then sets off a reaction in the bronchial airways leading to increased mucus (inflammation) and narrowing of the airways (spasm). In asthma that begins after the age of 40, allergies are involved in approximately 50% of cases. Allergy skin testing can determine which patients have an allergic cause of their asthma.

The role of the patient or parent of a child with asthma

As a patient or parent of a child with asthma, take an active role in the treatment of asthma. Learn about the causes and reasons for treatment. By working closely with your physician, identify appropriate environmental changes to be made, and take medications as prescribed. Open communication and education are vital parts of the medical management plan.

Questions to ask when selecting an Allergist

The following are some guidelines to follow when selecting an asthma specialist:

• Is the physician specifically and sufficiently trained to make the diagnosis and provide management of asthma and allergies in a cost-efficient manner?
• Has he or she completed a fellowship in allergy and immunology? (This is a period of intensive specialty training.)
• Does the physician regularly attend continuing medical education programs in allergy and immunology?
• Is the physician a member in good standing of a recognized professional allergy/immunology society?
• What does the diagnosis and treatment of allergy and/or asthma entail? How much time and money will the treatment involve?
• Has the diagnosis and treatment plan been proven effective by accepted, scientific standards?

Remember, you or your child's asthma is entitled to be as well controlled as possible, and an asthma specialist is qualified to provide this care.